Harmful Indian Foods – Avoid During Pregnancy

A well balanced diet should be taken by pregnant woman for the normal growth and proper development of foetus. An Indian Thali is very well balanced as it has different flavours. Indian foods that contain acids and artificial ingredients should be strictly avoided by pregnant ladies.

In India, nutrition of pregnant women is influenced by food fads, taboos, customs, cultural and religious beliefs, food habits and attitudes of family members. There also are the concepts of “hot foods,” “cold foods” and “sour foods” that are to be avoided, which include papaya, pineapple, banana, mango, fish, egg, groundnut, gram, millet, brinjal, ladyfinger, sesame seeds, flax seeds, saffron, fenugreek and jaggery.

Most of the time expecting mothers doesn’t know the basics of right eating and nutrition. Eating for two during pregnancy is a myth. In fact, all you need during those crucial nine months is just 300 calories more than your normal intake.

Harmful foods-Meat- Raw or uncooked meat must be avoided as they contain listeria bacteria. Due to toxoplasma gondii parasite present in raw meat & poultry expecting mothers can experience food poisoning. These can cause vomiting, miscarriages and fetal damage.

Eggs- Say big no-no, to raw eggs, runny eggs, and uncooked eggs during pregnancy. Homemade desserts and sauces such as chocolate mousse, cakes, mayonnaise, etc., containing raw eggs must be avoided as they may be tainted with salmonella bacteria causing vomiting and diarrhea.Handful of Salads- Prefers a homemade salad than a restaurant made salad. Avoid pre-packaged or pre-prepared vegetable/fruit salad these may contain listeria bacteria which can cause fetal problems during pregnancy.Sea food- Some type of fishes should be avoided to stay away from any fetal damage possibilities and other complications.1. Fish containing mercury- king mackerel, swordfish, shark and tilefish,2. Smoked seafood- lox, jerky, novastyle or kippered,3. Fish exposed to pollutants , 4.Raw shellfish.Raw veggies- Vegetables when raw, contains a lot of harmful bacteria and viruses which can be a cause of bad food poisoning.Juices and Drinks-Fresh juice puts you at risk of contracting the very harmful E.coli and salmonella bacteria. Choose packaged juices as they are pasteurized and are kept under refrigeration. Also it’s better to have fruits and vegetables cut or cooked rather than in juices. And also stay away from alcoholic drinks as well as aerated ones.